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"Cause of Whale Beachings in Florida Remains Elusive"

"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — More than 90 whales have become stranded on Florida beaches in the past two months, almost three times the average, baffling marine biologists and making them wonder if a deadly common denominator is at play."

"'We're all starting to pay close attention to what might be going on, to see if there are any links or if they're unrelated,' said Denise Boyd, a research biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Among the theories: The whales might have contracted morbillivirus, an ailment similar to canine distemper that has been attacking dolphins along the East Cost this year. But necropsies failed to confirm this."